Meserete Kristos Church in Ethiopia Withdraws from Mennonite World Conference Over Same-Sex Relationship Differences

The Meserete Kristos Church (MKC) in Ethiopia, the largest member of the Mennonite World Conference (MWC), has announced its withdrawal from the global body. The reports differ on the timing. One report says the announcement came in early September, and the other says that at a national meeting on September 4, 2026, 98.3% of members voted to resign.

Earlier, in November 2025, MKC decided not to host the MWC’s 2028 assembly. One report says the decision was finalized by a 98.3% approval vote at the church’s general leaders conference. The other says the church withdrew its invitation for the assembly to be held in Ethiopia. The first report also says the conference was held in Bishoftu and was attended by more than 200 regional representatives.

The churches differ on the reasons for the withdrawal. One report says MKC responded to the inclusion of a small number of MWC member churches that accept same-sex relationships. The other says the church cited differing views on same-sex relationships as the primary reason. In a declaration titled “Runge Bekräftigung,” MKC reaffirmed its understanding of marriage as a lifelong union between one man and one woman. The first report says the church’s statement criticized churches that affirm homosexuality.

According to the first report, more than half a million members are leaving the MWC with the withdrawal. It also says MKC members would be removed from four volunteer positions on MWC commissions and networks and one MWC staff position. The second report says MKC representatives who had served on MWC commissions and networks have also stepped down from those roles, but it does not give the number of positions.

MWC General Secretary César García expressed sorrow over the loss of members, gifts and leaders, according to the first report. The second report says he acknowledged the challenge posed by differing views on same-sex relationships and noted that the MWC has not taken an official stance on the issue. MWC President Henk Stenvers expressed regret over the departure and offered MKC his blessing for its future path, the second report says. Leaders on both sides described the parting in terms of loss, a reminder to pursue peace where it can be pursued (Romans 12:18).